In Memoriam: Johnny Moore of the Skatalites (1938-2008)

Trumpet player 'Dizzy' Johnny Moore, a founding member of pioneering Jamaican ska and reggae act The Skatalites, has passed away. Moore died at his home in Kingston on Saturday after being released from a hospital where he was being treated for colon cancer.

Moore helped form the band in 1964 with saxophonists Tommy McCook and Roland Alphonso and trombonist Don Drummond. The band helped establish the ska sound over 14 months in the 60s before they split up, only to regroup in New York City twenty years later. Moore was one of the most recorded soloists of the early reggae era, appearing on records such as Something Special, Ringo, Man in the Street, Schooling the Duke, the Wailers' Love and Affection, Lonesome Feeling, and Nice Time. Further details can be found at the Jamaica Observer.

Johnny is survived by his mother, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Our deepest condolences go out to his friends and family.